Can amoxicillin treat urinary tract infections?
Amoxicillin may be used for some urinary tract infections (UTIs), but it is not the first-line antibiotic due to high resistance rates. It is used only if the infecting bacteria are shown to be sensitive.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Amoxicillin is occasionally used if urine cultures show the UTI bacteria are susceptible. However, due to widespread resistance, it is not routinely recommended as a first-line option for UTIs in the UK. Common first-line antibiotics include nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim. NICE BNF: UTI and amoxicillin.
Clinical Context
Clinics only prescribe amoxicillin for UTIs if testing shows it will work. Unnecessary use can increase antibiotic resistance.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NHS and NICE recommend targeted antibiotics based on urine culture results when first-line treatments aren’t suitable.